Fish Containing High Levels Of Mercury

Swordfish 147 micrograms of mercury.

Fish containing high levels of mercury.

The table is sorted by mercury concentration mean ppm from fish with lowest levels of mercury to highest levels of mercury. Fish and shellfish concentrate mercury in their bodies often in the form of methylmercury a highly toxic organomercury compound. The risk of mercury poisoning is real if you eat a lot of fish especially fish that have a high concentration of mercury. Shark 151 micrograms of mercury.

You may also sort the table by species in alphabetical order. Fish are important in a healthy diet. Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air water and food. However some types of fish can contain high levels of mercury.

The unborn baby is most sensitive to the effects of mercury particularly during the third and fourth months of gestation. Fish products have been shown to contain varying amounts of heavy metals particularly mercury and fat soluble pollutants from water pollution species of fish that are long lived and high on the food chain such as marlin tuna shark swordfish king mackerel and. Eat up to 12 ounces 2 average meals a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are. That s because it s a great source of protein micronutrients and healthy fats.

But nearly all fish contain at least a trace amount of mercury. Here are some low mercury fish choices and fish to avoid. Federal state and local governments issue fish consumption advisories when fish are unsafe to eat. They are a lean low calorie source of protein.

Tilefish gulf of mexico containing a whopping average 219 micrograms of mercury the tilefish native to the gulf of mexico tops the list of mercury tainted seafood. Do not eat shark swordfish king mackerel or tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury. Fish is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Here are the fish with the highest amounts of mercury.

However some fish may contain mercury or other harmful chemicals at sufficiently high levels to be a concern. Most state s game and fish departments publish not only the list of fish advisories consumption bans and cautions but also locations and areas that are prone to exhibit higher levels of toxins in fish both offshore and inshore and what specifically those toxins are which include dioxins mercury and pcbs. Before shopping for seafood familiarize yourself with the levels of mercury in fish.